More about Rum

Ideal for:

History & heritage
Nature & wildlife

Home of the sea eagle

Rum is a National Nature Reserve, so you're just as likely to see researchers as tourists here. If you tire of the wildlife - which includes sea eagles - then head to Kinloch Castle, built in 1900 at the centre of an estate that once employed 14 under gardeners. It's open to visitors, and well worth a look.

How to get here

The ferry to Rum and the other Small Isles runs from the port of Mallaig on the mainland. The ferry to Rum takes 80 minutes.

No advance booking is necessary on this sailing for foot passengers. Simply turn up at the port of departure buy a ticket and go on the next available sailing. For vehicles reservations, please contact Mallaig port office.

Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports?
Traveline
can help you find the way that best suits you for making your journey using the most up to date information from around the UK for all transport companies.

We have listed some travel information below that you may find useful:

Getting to Mallaig

Mallaig is a port on the North West coast, and makes a great base for your adventures on the Isles.

By car

Mallaig is roughly 3 hours 30 minutes from Glasgow, or 4 hours from Edinburgh by car. There are no EV charging points on the Small Isles however three rapid charging points are available in Mallaig at the West Bay Car Park, approximately 300m from the Terminal Building.

Postcode for sat nav

Mallaig Port: PH41 4QD

Travelling without a car

By train

From Glasgow it is possible to catch the train direct to Mallaig, on one of the World's most beautiful train journeys. The fastest train takes 5 hours 14 minutes and includes a crossing on the famous Glenfinnan viaduct which featured in the Harry Potter films. Check Journey Planner for train times.

By Bus

Mallaig is easily reached by bus from Glasgow with a change in Fort William. Check out our new Journey Planner for more details.

By Foot

The Isle of Rum is the largest of the Small Isles archipelago among the Scottish Inner Hebrides and measures 40.4 square miles and is largely volcanic. Rum is Scotland's finest National Nature Reserve and is of international importance for many of its plants, habitats and birds. To find details of where to walk on Rum visit the
Isle of Rum
website.

By Bike

Mountain biking is the perfect way to explore the Small Isles. Rum has over 30 miles of roads and 4DW tracks that includes tough steep climbs for advanced riders. The island is not for the faint hearted with its rough terrain, but there is a lot to explore on the island and has nearly 1,000 Red Deer, as well as Golden and White-tailed Eagles. Similarly, the Rum Pony has been native to the Highlands and the Islands since the last Ice Age however on Rum the ponies have remained in a form close to their original endemic type. Bike hire is available on the island, check out
Isle of Rum
for further details.

We're making your journey even easier

Use our new Journey Planner tool to plan your bus, rail and ferry travel to Scotland's west coast and islands.

Plan your journey to Rum

Travelling options

Travelling from

Travelling to

Depart/Arrive

Time

Date

Transport

Walk

Bus

Coach

Ferry

Train

Customer notice

The timetable information used is powered by
Traveline
and may not account for service changes, tidal amends or additional sailings. The information therefore may be subject to change. Please check the Service Status page before you travel.